15 December, 2025, 3:13 am Central - 23°C Rain

Help on the way for Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau

Help on the way for Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau

By Semi Turaga and Rusiate Baleilevuka
18/02/2018
MV Iloilovatu

Help is now on the way for people living on the islands of Ono-i-Lau and Vatoa that were affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita this week.

Cyclone Gita battered the two islands on Tuesday leaving plantations and several houses damaged.

A team of 60 government officials and volunteers from Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity left on the government vessel MV Iloilovatu this morning.

Divisional Planning Officer Eastern Viliame Kaiyabia says they are taking food rations to Vatoa and Ono-i-Lau and also multi-sectoral assessment teams to assess the damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

He says the officials will also be providing some needed government services on the island.

Red Cross Fiji is also sending about six people to distribute response packs in Southern Lau.

They are distributing clothes, hygiene kits and also shelter toolkits.

A team from Habitat for Humanity is also onboard and they are expected to help with repairs and temporary housing.

Preliminary reports show that 10 houses have been destroyed and 26 partially damaged in Ono‑i‑Lau and Vatoa.

The response team will return next Saturday.

FEATURE NEWS
TD03F to impact Fiji from tomorrow night as centre of system expected to enter Fiji waters on Tuesday
People are urged to remain vigilant and prepare, as the effects of Tropical Depression TD03F are expected to be felt from tomorrow night, as the centr...
13 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Two gunmen open fire at Bondi Chanukkah event, 10 confirmed dead
A gunman has been shot dead and another is being treated after opening fire on Bondi beach, killing 10 people in what is believed to be a targeted ...
6 hours ago

Southern Division records 30% decline in serious crime
The Southern Division of the Fiji Police has recorded reductions in crime during the first quarter of the 2025–2026 financial year, highlighting ...
10 hours ago

Raiwai man arrested for aggravated robbery outside Milverton Road Top Shop this morning
A 23 year old man residing in Raiwai was arrested and taken into custody, in relation to an aggravated robbery case in Raiwaqa this morning.The ...
10 hours ago

Fiji Museum to host 2 day Bakanawa canoe making holiday programme from tomorrow
The Fiji Museum is hosting a 2-day Bakanawa Canoe Making Holiday Programme starting from tomorrow aimed at providing children and youths with a ...
11 hours ago

Barbara O'Neill and Dr Rajesh Maharaj to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk at 7pm Wednesday
Naturopath and nutritionist, Barbara O'Neill and former President of Fiji College of General Practitioners and General Practitioner with special ...
12 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
3 days ago

I do not support police officers being charged on public opinions and without evidence - COMPOL
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says he will stand by his officers, and he does not support any officer being charged based on public opinion ...
3 days ago

Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
7 days ago

TOP